MONTHLY MEETING NOTICE

*Since there is the possibility that a meeting could be canceled, relocated or rescheduled please call the KIPDA office at (502) 266-6084 to confirm a meeting prior to attending.

Kentuckiana Regional Planning and Development Agency will make every reasonable accommodation to assist qualified disabled persons in accessing available services or in attending agency activities. If there is a need for KIPDA to be aware of a specific accommodation, you are encouraged to contact this agency at least one week in advance of the meeting so that suitable arrangements can be considered for the delivery of the service or attendance requirement prior to the activity.

On Tuesday, November 22, 2016, a federal judge in Texas issued an injunction regarding the new overtime law that was to take effect December 1, 2016, putting on hold the FLSA overtime changes employers across the country have spent the last few months preparing.

If upheld, the final rule would increase the salary threshold for exempt employees to more than double at $47,476 and would require employers to pay overtime to any employee who is under that threshold, no matter their job duties. This injunction will put implementation of the changes within the final rule on hold while the courts determine whether or not the Department of Labor (DOL) has the authority to make such a final rule, as well as the validity of the final rule itself.
What does this mean for employers right now?

Employers will not need to reclassify employees on December 1st as nonexempt (hourly) as long as the employee is currently making more than $23, 660 and falls within the currentDOL exemptions. How long it will take for the court to review is anyone’s guess, so remain vigilant for any changes that may be coming down the pike. KLC will continue to monitor this situation and update you as soon as information is released.

If you have any questions on this new development contact Andrea Shindlebower Main, personnel services specialist at 859-977-3785 or ashindlebower@klc.org.

CEDS Annual Update is now ready for viewing. You may click link below for full details!

On Tuesday, November 15th KIPDA Transportation Division and Ticket-To-Ride attended the 2016 ACE (Achieving and Celebrating Excellence) Awards for the One Southern Indiana Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony took place from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM at Kye's and featured a lunch and videos of all the finalists for the awards. The ACE Awards celebrates remarkable individuals who exemplify the character and acumen of exceptional leadership, making them outstanding citizens in the business and regional community. This signature event aims to celebrate the accomplishments of individual business leaders who are members of One Southern Indiana. The winner’s for this year's awards were:

Axiom Financial Strategies Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC James W. Robinson Young Professional of the Year ACE Award- Jill Peden

Kightlinger & Gray, LLP Sam Day Professional of the Year ACE Award- Larry Myers

Chairman’s Legacy Award- Greg Fitzloff and Jack Ragland

Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission KBBC Annual Meeting

The Kentucky Bicycle and Bikeway Commission’s (KBBC) 2016 Annual Meeting was held at the Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade, KY on November 17-18, 2016. KIPDA Transportation Division staff was there for the event. The KBBC was formed by the Kentucky Legislature in 1992 and tasked with promoting and representing the interests of bicyclists across the State by advising the Secretary of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet on all matters related to bicycles and bikeways.

The KBBC is comprised of 7 commissioners appointed by the Governor to represent different areas of Kentucky. While attending the KBBC 2016 Annual Meeting, KIPDA Transportation Division staff learned about the economic impact of bicycling in Kentucky, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) staff provided updates about the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program, various agencies presented information about their activities using Paula Nye grant funding and several community leaders spoke about their efforts to promote bicycling through adventure tourism. Finally, staff learned about the Safer Passing Bill that many bicycling advocates hope will be passed in the upcoming Kentucky legislative session.

Sustainability Director's Brown Bag Lunch

The Louisville Metro Office of Sustainability held what they hope to be a monthly Sustainability Directors' Brown Bag Lunch on Friday, November 18th. The informal event was at Metro Hall from 11:30 am-1:00 pm and featured a panel of eight sustainability professionals from around the region, including Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Dayton. KIPDA Transportation Division staff and Ticket-To-Ride staff attended the lunch, along with other groups in the Louisville area interested in sustainability issues. The event was free to attend and was very interesting.

KITE Award Goes to Ohio River Bridges Project

The 2nd Annual Kentucky-Indiana Transportation Excellence (KITE) Award was given to the Ohio River Bridges Project. The KITE winner was announced during the November 22nd Transportation Policy Committee Meeting and again immediately afterwards at the KIPDA Board of Director’s Annual Meeting, held at the Louisville Marriott East. INDOT’s Commissioner Brandye Hendrickson and KTYC District 5’s Chief Engineer Matt Bullock accepted the award. KIPDA established the KITE Award to recognize transportation projects developed through the metropolitan planning process that distinguish themselves and “soar above” the norm.
It is our hope that this award will, among other things, accomplish the following:

Demonstrate an appreciation of the successful efforts and influences of transportation planners, engineers, and decision makers.

Contribute to the idea of “raising the bar” when it comes to transportation planning and implementation.

Further communicate to the planners, engineers, and decision-makers the specific value that the MPO places upon good planning and implementation practices.

Provide examples of good planning and implementation practices that others may emulate in future activities.

The two other finalists for the 2016 KITE Award were the Preston Highway Transit Facilities Project (TARC) and the Fourth Street All-Electric Bus Project (TARC).

An Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is an operational system of various technologies that, when combined and managed, improve the operating capabilities of the overall system. ITS technology is the phone application that you use to determine how long to wait before walking to catch the next bus. It is your car’s advanced braking system that monitors wheel speed and adjusts brake pressure so that you can stop quickly and safely without losing control of your vehicle.

ITS allows you to drive at highway speeds through toll collection kiosks, and helps you determine the exact location and delivery date of your online purchase with just a few clicks of the mouse. Moreover, ITS technologies (such as GPS use for mapping and positioning) and operational advancements (such as coordinated traffic management centers) allow quick and efficient mobilization of responders to an incident by providing real-time traffic, route, weather, and even hazardous material information across agencies.

On November 30th, the KIPDA Transportation Division hosted a workshop at their main office on Commonwealth Drive as part of an update to the KIPDA Regional ITS Architecture, or framework for future ITS development. There were 40 participants from TRIMARC, KYTC, FHWA, INDOT, Louisville Metro Police, TARC and more. With an ITS architecture for the KIPDA region, various public agencies can share their data to highlight the safety and ease of travel for everyone. The workshop detailed the trends in national ITS architecture and how KIPDA will be building a regional ITS architecture. Participants discussed ITS stakeholders and prioritization as well as interagency agreements and operational concepts.

The 14th Annual Indiana Logistics Summit featured over 20 speakers and nearly 500 attendees, including KIPDA Transportation Division Planners. The event took place at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis November 16-17. "Global Connections" was the theme and attendees heard how Québec's $9 billion maritime strategy will impact Indiana, as well as how railroads are adjusting to the fossil fuel implosion.

In addition to keynote presentations, the conference featured breakout sessions with a variety of speakers and topics including Celadon Group Customer Service Director Jonathon Doss speaking about "The State of North America's Trucking Industry;" Brandye Hendrickson, Commissioner for the Indiana Department of Transportation, discussing "New Highway Connections;" and Rachel Roll, Learning and Development Manager at Elwood Staffing, talking about "The Millennials are Here! How to Engage Multiple Generations in the Workplace."

For information about all the speakers and presentations for the Indiana Logistics Summit, please visit www.indianalogistics.com. All conference presentations are available there.

The Indiana Logistics Summit was co-hosted by Purdue University, the Ports of Indiana and Conexus Indiana to promote the logistics industry and to showcase the critical role this sector plays in the national economy.

Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates Buy Local and Welcomes Kentucky State Treasurer Allison Ball

The Bullitt County Chamber of Commerce is composed of an outgoing and diverse group of businesses. They were all on display for their annual Buy Local event November 10th at the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon at the Paroquet Springs Conference Center. The featured speaker was State Treasurer Allison Ball, who regaled the room with five tips for success and lauded Bullitt County as one of the strongest Chambers of Commerce in the state. According to Ball, Bullitt County is getting positive buzz around the Commonwealth due to the continued growth in the economy. After the lunch, Ball visited with the many attendees who came to hear her speak. Following the Buy Local event, Ball visited the Jim Beam Distillery to see one of the many thriving Bullitt County businesses.

Social Services Division

Depression is Not a Normal part of Growing Older

Depression is a true and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging. However older adults are at an increased risk for experiencing depression. If you are concerned about a loved one, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated.
Depression is not just having "the blues" or the emotions we feel when grieving the loss of a loved one. It is a true medical condition that is treatable, like diabetes or hypertension.

How Do I Know If It's Depression?

Someone who is depressed has feelings of sadness or anxiety that last for weeks at a time. He or she may also experience–

Feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness and/or helplessness

Irritability, restlessness

Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable

Fatigue and decreased energy

Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions

Insomnia, early–morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

Overeating or appetite loss

Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not get better, even with treatment

How is Depression Different for Older Adults?

Older adults are at increased risk. We know that about 80% of older adults have at least one chronic health condition, and 50% have two or more. Depression is more common in people who also have other illnesses (such as heart disease or cancer) or whose function becomes limited.

Older adults are often misdiagnosed and undertreated. Healthcare providers may mistake an older adult's symptoms of depression as just a natural reaction to illness or the life changes that may occur as we age, and therefore not see the depression as something to be treated. Older adults themselves often share this belief and do not seek help because they don't understand that they could feel better with appropriate treatment.

How Many Older Adults Are Depressed?

The good news is that the majority of older adults are not depressed. Some estimates of major depression in older people living in the community range from less than 1% to about 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare and to 11.5% in older hospital patients.

How Do I Find Help?

Most older adults see an improvement in their symptoms when treated with antidepressant drugs, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. If you are concerned about a loved one being depressed, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated.
If you or someone you care about is in crisis, please seek help immediately.

Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889) to talk to a trained counselor

Human Right's Day
December 10th

Human rights are rights inherent to all people, whatever the nationality, place of residence, sex, national or ethnical origin, color, religion, language, or any other status. We are all equally entitled to our human rights without discrimination. In today’s society, the fight for equal rights is everywhere from refugees trying to find solace and peace in another land to individuals who no longer want to be discriminated against due to their skin color, or sexual orientation.

Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10th. On this day it is encouraged that the world is united and stand up for the rights of others! In today’s environment, many of us are fearful of the way the world is heading. Disrespect for basic human rights continues to be wide-spread in all parts of the globe. Extremist movements subject people to horrific violence with messages of intolerance and hatred that prey on the fears of others.

Standing together united we can reaffirm our humanity. In the streets, in schools, the workplace and over social media we can make a difference by standing up for someone’s rights. Not only on this day but on everyday step forward and defend the rights of a refugee or migrant, a person with a disability, an LGBT person, women, a child, a minority group or anyone else at risk of discrimination or violence.

December 5-9, 2016

Driving provides a sense of independence and freedom that allows connections with families, essential shopping, and the liberty to drive for reasons of your own desire. As individuals get older fighting decline in health and experiencing poor eyesight can pose major difficulties with driving. Common conditions such as arthritis, glaucoma, cataracts, and joint pain make driving for older adults difficult. Older Drivers Week provides education, discussion, and resources for those to improve safety.

It is essential to have a nonthreatening conversation with loved ones who are aging and may be fearful that their independence in driving is at risk. It is better to get involved now with family discussions, early planning, and exploring of options before an incident out of your control occurs.

Questions to Explore

Can the older adult only drive short distance for safety reasons?

Is it unsafe to drive short and long distance?

Are family and friends providing frequent assistance in getting needs met due to fear that an accident will occur?

Being sensitive around this subject and providing a sense of comfort, trust, and stability so that loved ones know that this need will be met intermittently. Older adults want to stay active in the community doing things they enjoy? The last question that should be explored is how can you as a family or friend provide this?

Driving Equipment and Adaptations- seeing if equipment is needed to make driving safe and more comfortable

Embracing Change- accepting that you are having difficulty with driving and exploring risk associated with being behind the wheel

Resources Available

Smart Features for Older Drivers (guide that identifies vehicle features that can accommodate visual, physical, and mental changes that frequently accompany aging. Interactive printable brochure can be found online at www.seniordriving.aaa.com)
Roadwise Rx- developed by AAA for traffic safety which is a free online tool to check prescription or over-the-counter medications that affect driving

Please note that there are many other resources and information available to assist you with making a decision that is best for you.

The Holiday Blues

"Tis the season to be jolly!"

This action is much easier to say than to do. Many people get the holiday blues, especially older adults. Seniors are more likely to have just lost a loved one, or have learned about bad health news than their younger counterparts. The holiday season can trigger memories of loved ones who have passed away.

Events and moments like these can be turned around. By rallying around your special seniors--parents, aunts and uncles, or grandparents--you can help them to continue the tradition and create new moments.

For example, your loved ones may no longer be physically able to get all their holiday decorations in place. Turn decorating their home into a new holiday tradition for you and your family. Grandchildren and friends can get involved by moving the boxes up from the basement or attic, or by decorating the tree. Take the time to let your loved ones reminisce about some of the special ornaments.

You can help your loved ones cheer up by helping them keep busy and making them feel useful. Include them in plans and invite them to holiday activities. The older person who may be sad because he or she is no longer hosting the event can still be useful by helping prepare some of the meal.

By taking on more party planning and decorating, you should realize that older people can tire more easily, so do allow for down time during this hectic season. Have your loved ones relax and listen to holiday music. If grandchildren are coming to visit, have some old Christmas DVDs on hand. Your loved one can introduce a grandchild to a favorite movie. Keep in mind that older people with cognitive impairment may also become confused and frustrated by large crowds at holiday gatherings.

If the holiday blues persist, find ways to keep up with your loved one. Offer to drive your loved one to a religious service and attend with him or her. Watch to make sure your loved one does not drown his or her sorrows in alcohol. Alcohol does not mix with many medications. In addition, the way the body handles alcohol can change with age.

Sometimes money might be an issue for older people. Help them with their holiday shopping. If money is a concern, find inexpensive gifts for grandchildren that the grandparents can give.
If you don’t live close to your loved one, make an extra effort to communicate during the holiday season. Be sure to send a greeting card in the mail. Also, make a few quick phone calls to stay connected. If your loved one doesn’t have plans for the holidays, suggest he or she volunteer at a soup kitchen or hospital. Encourage them to make plans with friends.

If the blues go on for longer than a month, be sure to talk to your family physician to see if your loved one is suffering from depression. Depression is a life threatening illness for older people and needs to be taken seriously.

Caregivers can also feel more stress during the holiday season. Your life is already packed taking care of your own life, and someone else’s. Plus, the holidays bring extra duties. Be sure to take a break and realize that everything does not need to be perfect.